Marinaleda, a rural town on the foothills of Sierra Sur
Relax and reconnect with nature in the heart of the Sierra Sur. Escape to Marinaleda, a peaceful countryside haven where you can enjoy the delicious cuisine based on local products. Vegetables and olive oil are showcased in the typical dishes.
Stroll through clean streets lined with Andalusian whitewashed houses, until you reach the Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Church. Enjoy the welcoming nature of the locals and the friendly atmosphere. There is a true community spirit in Marinaleda, where everyone gets involved in every aspect of the town’s life. Do not miss the local traditions and festivals, including Holy Week and Peace Week, which are celebrated together. Alternatively, the Marinaleda Flamenco Festival, an eagerly awaited event famous throughout the region.
Come and experience the atmosphere of this rural town on the foothills of Seville’s Sierra Sur.
Getting to Marinaleda
If you travel by car from Seville, take the A-4 motorway to exit 455 at Écija. Enter the A-388, and you will reach Marinaleda soon after.
The town does not have a train station, but you can travel by bus from the Prado de San Sebastián station in Seville. The bus to Marinaleda also stops in other towns in Seville’s Sierra Sur, as well as some bordering towns in the province of Córdoba.
Getting around
Walking is the most convenient way to discover the small town of Marinaleda. You can also go hiking through its natural surroundings. Another option is to bring your bike.
Reasons to visit
- Enjoy the friendly nature of its people town and the clean streets lined with whitewashed houses.
- Visit the Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Church and La Virgen de la Paz Church, the latter located in the hamlet of Matarredonda. These monuments preserve Marinaleda's historical heritage.
- Come and celebrate Peace Day on 30 January. The town commemorates the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by burning war toys and various cultural events.
- The La Virgen de los Caminos Pilgrimage is held in May. Follow the pilgrims from Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Church to La Venta Pozo Ancho rest area and enjoy a picnic in the countryside.
- Try the locally grown vegetables and take home some canned vegetables from the local factory, which was formed when all local cooperatives merged.
- Peace Week takes place alongside Holy Week, for those who prefer something different during that week.
- Celebrate the New Year in style at the popular New Year’s Eve party held in Marinaleda. Many locals come together for this event.
- Do you like flamenco? Do not miss the Marinaleda Flamenco Festival, a unique cultural event held in July.
What to see
Head to Calle San Nicolás in the old town to see the Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Church. This 17th-century temple is home to an impressive neoclassical main altarpiece and the sculptures of the Nazarene and Our Lady of Sorrows by the sculptor José Fabré.
Another place worth visiting is the Municipal Theatre, which was built over a Roman theatre.
If you go to the hamlet of Matarredonda, visit the La Virgen de La Paz Church, whose sculpture is highly revered by locals.
Last but not least, follow a route through the natural surroundings of Marinaleda on foot or horse, or by bike. This is the best way to discover this charming town in Seville’s Sierra Sur.
Places to visit
- Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Parish Church
- La Virgen de La Paz Church, in the hamlet of Matarredonda
- Roman theatre, current theatre
Surroundings
Marinaleda is 110 kilometres from Seville in the Sierra Sur region to the northwest of the province. The town is located in a valley formed by the Genil river basin, and the River Blanco that runs through its municipal district.
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